You can test the Microsoft Surface 3 before its launch (without any appointment)

Microsoft yesterday announced the Surface 3, the newest addition to its growing family of tablets, saying it will release it on May 5. Until then, you can already pre-order the slate, and even play with it in Microsoft Stores across the US and Canada. However, according to Windows Central, you can't just walk into a Microsoft Store and get your hands on the Surface 3. Instead, you'll have to call to make an appointment first, likely because the number of Surface 3 units on display is very limited. Update: A Microsoft spokesperson said that you don't really need an appointment, and "everyone" can go into a store to check out the new Surface.

The Surface 3 is the thinnest (8.6 mm) and lightest (622 grams) Microsoft tablet to date. It has a display that's slightly larger than the one of the Surface 2, yet smaller than the screen of the Surface Pro 3: 10.8 inches with 1920 x 1280 pixels. Powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, the new tablet features stereo speakers with Dolby audio, an 8 MP rear camera, 3.5 MP front-facing camera, and a battery that can provide up to 10 hours of video playback. The Surface 3 runs Windows 8.1, but it will obviously be updated to Windows 10 later this year.

Prices for the Microsoft Surface 3 start at $499 (64 GB of storage space, 2 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi). You can also get a Surface Type Cover ($129.99) to turn it into a laptop, and a Surface Pen ($49.99).

So, who's looking forward to buying a Surface 3?


sources: Windows Central, Rod Trent (Twitter)